Diffusers for conditioned air conduits

ABSTRACT

Diffusers are disclosed that are for use in distributing conditioned air from a ceiling-supported conduit. Each diffuser has side frames and a hanger frame attachable to the ceiling, the conduit, or the framework of a suspended ceiling. Each side frame carries a plurality of damper-fin units, each unit having a pair of dampers and a fin mounted on a common pivot to be independently adjustable, the dampers being internally of the diffuser. The frames are shown as formed from extruded stock enabling side frames to be joined at right angles or in alignment and providing marginal portions establishing a panel-supporting frame.

[151 3,654,851 [451 Apr. 11,1972

United States Patent Bertin et 31.

3,412,669 11/1968 Averill................... ....98/40D 3,522,841 8/1970 Papalexiou.........................98/40VM [54] DIF F USERS FOR CONDITIONED AIR CONDUITS [72] Inventors: Mannie Bertin, 110 Revere Street, Portu h .m M l m mm Tm mm [.0 mb mA 2 W an MW Hm land, Maine 04103; Ira L. Bertin, Box 56, Limington, Maine 04049 Apr. 8, 1970 ABSTRACT [22] Filed:

"figs/121 X supporting frame.

.98/40 D 21 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 3,363,535 1/1968 Sweeney....................... 3,390,624 7/1968 PATENTEDAPR 1 1 m2 3, 6 54, 8 51 SHEET 1 [IF 3 INVENTORS MANNIE BERTIN IRA L. BERTIN ATTOR NEY PATENTEDAPR 1 1 I972 SHEET 2 OF 3 m m m a ET V R N N E B O E T T m A mm PATENTEDAPR 1 1 m2 SHEET 3 [IF 3 INVENTORS MANNIE BERTIN IRA L. BERTIN ATTORNE DIFFUSERS FOR CONDITIONED AIR CONDUITS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Systems for the distribution of conditioned air in buildings, such as stores, where the floor area is substantial, commonly employ overhead conduits suspended from the ceiling, usually concealed by a suspended ceiling of the type utilizing a framework in support of tiles. In order to ensure the distribution of the air at each conduit outlet, a diffuser is used having side openings controlled by adjustable dampers and adjustable fins.

Such diffusers present a wide range of problems as they must not only be-capable of providing the desired distribution of air for the area served but also they must be both adapted for ease of installation and attractive in appearance. In addition, such diffusers must be made in different sizes as the tile sizes of suspended ceilings are either two feet by two feet or two feet by four feet so that a modular construction is necessary to minimize manufacturing and inventory problems.

THE PRESENT INVENTION The general objectives of the invention are to provide diffusers that meet the above referred-to manufacturing, installation and use requirements.

In accordance with the invention, these general objectives are attained with a diffuser having an upward opening to receive air from a port in the ceiling-supported conduit and comprising side frames, and a closed bottom. A plurality of damper and fin units are supported by each frame, each unit comprising a pair of dampers, a fin, and a pivot joining the dampers and fins for independent pivotal movement. The free ends of each pair of dampers are curved inwardly towards each other and abut when the dampers are open and the units are disposed with the free damper ends inwardly of the diffuser and spaced so that the proximate dampers of proximate units may abut when swung towards each other to establish the closed position of the dampers.

Another objective of the invention is to provide means for adjusting together all the corresponding dampers of each side frame.

Another objective of the invention is to provide means to prevent accidental movement of the damper and fins fro their adjusted positions.

'Another objective of the invention is to provide the frames 'of the diffuser with means at their lower edges providing a panel supporting frame, the panel matching the ceiling, a piece of tile for example.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a frame attachable to the upper edges of the side frames for use in supporting the diffuser from the ceiling, the framework of a suspended ceiling, or from the conduit itself.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a modular construction enabling size requirements to be easily met.

Another objective is to provide extruded members that enable diffusers or other frames to be quickly and easily constructed, an objective attained with an extrusion comprising first, second, third, and fourth angularly disposed walls. The first wall is the outer surface and the second and third walls are integrally joined at right angles thereto. The fourth wall is integrally joined to the third wall at an angle of 45 relative to the first wall and terminating short of the first wall, and desirably, but not necessarily, the plane of the fourth wall includes the free end of the second wall. The second, third, and fourth walls have undercut, spline-receiving channels extending from end-to-end of their outer faces to enable the members to be joined when channeled walls are placed in abutment with their channels in alignment.

In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown that are illustrative of these and other of its objectives, novel features, and advantages.

In the drawings:

' FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diffuser in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken approximately along the indicated lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken approximately along the indicated lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but on an increase in scale and showing the use of a comer trim;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section illustrating the connecting panels in an end-to-end relationship in the construction of a larger diffuser;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a damper-fin assembly employing operators for adjusting each set of corresponding dampers;

FIG. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 2 but showing the operators for both sets of dampers and another type of suspension;

FIG. 8 is a view of a damper adjusting bar; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded end view of the components of a damper-fin unit.

The diffuser shown in the drawings consists of four interconnected side frames, generally indicated at 10, with each supporting a plurality of damper-fin units, generally indicated at 11, and separately mounted fins 12, one between each two units 11. The supporting framework of a suspended ceiling is indicated in FIG. 2 at 13 and an attaching frame, generally indicated at 14 is marginally supported thereby.

Each frame is formed from mitered lengths of an extrusion, preferably aluminum. The extrusion has a first or outer wall 15, second and third walls indicated at 16 and 17, respectively, and disposed at right angles to the wall 15, and a fourth wall 18 joined to the third wall 17 at an angle of 45 relative to the first wall and terminating short of the second wall 16. The plane of the fourth wall 18 is shown as including the free edge of the second wall 16.

The inner surface of the front wall 15 has an undercut channel 19 extending from end-to-end thereof to receive an arm of an L-shaped keeper 20 by which the top, bottom, and sides of each frame 10 are interconnected, see FIGS. 1 and 2.

The third wall 17 and the fourth wall 18 have undercut channels 21 and 22, respectively, extending from end-to-end of their outer faces to enable two fourth walls 18 to be joined by an I-I-shaped spline 23 thus to connect two frames 10 at right angles, see FIG. 3, or two third walls to be joined by a spline 23 thus to connect two frames 10 in alignment, see FIG. 5. When frames 10 are joined at right angles, the two third walls 17 define a lengthwise channel and, if desired, a corner trim 24 of square section may be used to fill that channel. As shown in FIG. 4, the comer trim 24 has integral T-shaped portions 25 on two adjacent sides dimensioned for sliding entry into the channels 21.

The inner face of each second wall 16 has a marginal rib 26 and an intermediate rib 27 undercut to provide a shoulder 28 disposed towards the rib 26. The outer surface of each second wall has a lengthwise channel 29 in the zone of the rib 26 and a channel 30 in the zone of the rib 27, the channel 30 being undercut to receive, in the case of both the top and bottom of each frame 10 a strip 31 providing a friction surface, see FIG. 2. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 1 4, the channel 29 also receives, in the case of the top and bottom frame members, a friction strip 32, while in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, the channels 30 of the top and bottom of the frame 10 slidably support shifter bars 33.

The attaching frame 14 is formed from four mitered lengths of an extrusion, desirably aluminum. The extrusion, see FIGS. 2 and 7, has a wall 34 provided at its upper end with oppositely disposed flanges 35 and 36, shown as of unequal width having undercut channels 37 and 38, respectively, in their undersurfaces and closely adjacent the wall 34. The channels 37 and 38 are dimensioned to receive the arms of the keepers 20 by which the lengths are joined to complete the attaching frame 14. The bottom end of the extrusion has an undercut channel 39 extending from end-to-end thereof to enable the attaching frame 14 to be connected to the uppermost third walls 17 of the diffuser frames 10 by splines 23.

It will be noted, see FIGS. 2 and 7, that at the bottom of each frame 10, the gap between the fourth and second walls provides a supporting frame for a panel 40 that may be a tile matching the tiles of the ceiling.

Each damper-fin unit 11 comprises a pair of dampers 41 and 42, and a fin 43 interconnected by a pivot 44 to enable each component to be pivoted independently of the other. In order to mount the units 11, the second walls 16 of the top and bottom of each frame have a series of holes drilled along their outer faces to expose the shoulders 28. The pivots 44 are entered through such holes with lowermost shoulder 28 supporting them. The pivots 45 for the fins 12 are similarly supported.

It will be noted that the dampers 41 and 42 are internally of the diffuser and that the fins 43 are exposed along the outer sides of each frame 10. The free end portion of the damper of each pair is inwardly curved towards the other and in their open position the free edges of the dampers of each unit abut, see FIGS. 3 and 6. The damper-fin units 11 are so spaced that in the closed position of the dampers, the dampers of adjacent units abut, see FIG. 5. In all positions of the dampers, their free edges are disposed inwardly towards each other ensuring quiet operation.

Desirably, the dampers are die cut from an extrusion, preferably aluminum having an edge channel 46 opening towards its curved edge and dimensioned to receive a pivot 44. When die-cut to complete the dampers, the dampers are identical, each having two spaced pivot bearings 47, see FIG. 9. When one such damper is reversed the bearings 47 of the two dampers of each unit interfit and provide space at their ends for the bearings 48 of the fins 43. It will be noted that the fins 12 and 43 are cut from the same extrusion, preferably aluminum, having a pivot receiving bore 49 with a lengthwise edge slot 50 opening therein.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 1 3, the dampers and fins are all manually adjusted. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, a spring 51 yieldably urges the dampers of each unit into abutment. The shifter bars 33 include spaced lugs 52 between the damper of each unit, the lugs 52 of the upper shifter bar 33 engaging one set of corresponding dampers and the lugs 52 of the lower shifter bar engaging the other set of corresponding dampers whereby the corresponding dampers of all the units of each frame 10 may be simultaneously adjusted.

It will be appreciated that, in use, in each installation, the damper-fins 11 and the distributor fins 12 are adjusted to provide a desired air distribution in the area served by each diffuser.

It should be noted that when suspended framework is not available for diffuser support, the attaching frame can be secured by screws through its flange to the ceiling or the inner flange may be secured to the port of the conduit as by brackets 53, see FIG. 7. It should also be noted that the attaching frame may be formed with either of its flanges outwardly.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the diffusers 10 may be quickly and easily assembled as can their supporting frames 14 and that both can be combined to meet any diffuser dimensions requirements.

We claim:

1. A difi'user for the outlet of a conditioned air conduit located above a ceiling, said difiuser having an upward opening to receive air from the conduit and comprising a plurality of interconnected side frames, a closed bottom, and a plurality of damper and fin units supported by each frame, each unit including a pair of dampers, a fin, and a pivot joining said dampers and fin for independent pivotal movement and connected to the top and bottom of a side frame, the free ends of each pair of dampers being inwardly curved towards each other and abutting when the dampers are open, said units being disposed with said free damper ends inwardly of the diffuser and spaced so that the proximate dampers of proximate pairs may abut when swung towards each other to establish the closed position of the dampers.

2. The diffuser of claim 1 and a supporting frame secured to the top of each side frame and including a laterally projecting supporting flange for engagement with overhead supporting structure.

3. The diffuser of claim 2 in which the supporting flange is inwardly disposed.

4. The diffuser of claim 3 in which the supporting flange is outwardly disposed.

5. The diffuser of claim 1 in which the bottom of'each side frame includes an inwardly disposed shoulder, the shoulders of the sides providing a supporting frame for a bottom closing panel.

6. The diffuser of claim 1 in which the proximate dampers of proximate pairs may be swung into abutment, the free edges of the dampers then being curved inwardly away from each other.

7. The diffuser of claim 1 in which there are four side frames and each side frame includes a laterally projecting flange along its upper edge for engagement with rectangular tilesupporting framework of a suspended ceiling and an inwardly disposed shoulder extending along its bottom edge, the shoulders of the four sides providing a tile supporting frame.

8. The diffuser of claim 1 and means to swing said dampers towards and away from each other.

9. The difiuser of claim 8 in which the damper-swinging means include a spring for each unit yieldably urging the dampers thereof into abutment and slidable, frame supported means operable to swing the dampers into their closed position.

10. The diffuser of claim 9 in which there are separate slidable means for the two dampers of each pair.

11. The difluser of claim 1 and a pivotally supported fin between the fins of the units.

12. The diffuser of claim 1 and means frictionally engaging the fins and yieldably holding them in a desired angular relationship.

13. The diffuser of claim 1 and means frictionally engaging the dampers and yieldably holding them in a desired angular relationship.

14. The diffuser of claim 1 in which each frame consists of top, bottom and side members of similar cross section, each member including first, second, third, and fourth angularly disposed walls, the first wall being the outer frame surface, the second and third walls being disposed at right angles to the first wall, and the fourth wall being disposed at an angle of 45 relative to the first wall and terminating short of the second wall, the third wall being shorter than the second wall and providing said shoulder, said third and fourth walls having undercut channels extending from end-to-end of their outer faces whereby two members may be joined by an I-I-shaped connection when two channelled walls are placed in abutment with their channels in registry, said second walls having pivot receiving channels.

15. The diffuser of claim 14 in which the third wall is sufficiently shorter than the second wall so that the plane of the fourth wall includes the free end of the second wall.

16. The diffuser of claim 14 in which the outer surface of the second walls has parallel channels for friction strips.

17. The diffuser of claim 14 in which the inner surface of the first wall has an undercut channel for the reception of end portions of comer-joining splines.

18. A damper-fm unit comprising a pair of dampers, a fin, and a common pivot joining said dampers and fin to enable them to be independently pivoted each with respect to the others, the free ends of each damper being inwardly curved towards the other.

19. The damper-fin unit of claim 21 and a spring yieldably urging said free damper ends into abutment.

20. The damper-fin unit of claim 19 in which the fin includes vertically spaced lugs along one edge having pivotreceiving passages, and each damper has lugs vertically spaced along corresponding edges to receive the lugs of the fins and the other damper and having pivot receiving passages.

21. The damper-fin unit of claim in which the fin and dampers are extrusions and the passages have slots opening towards their opposite edges. 

1. A diffuser for the outlet of a conditioned air conduit located above a ceiling, said diffuser having an upward opening to receive air from the conduit and comprising a plurality of interconnected side frames, a closed bottom, and a plurality of damper and fin units supported by each frame, each unit including a pair of dampers, a fin, and a pivot joining said dampers and fin for independent pivotal movement and connected to the top and bottom of a side frame, the free ends of each pair of dampers being inwardly curved towards each other and abutting when the dampers are open, said units being disposed with said free damper ends inwardly of the diffuser and spaced so that the proximate dampers of proximate pairs may abut when swung towards each other to establish the closed position of the dampers.
 2. The diffuser of claim 1 and a supporting frame secured to the top of each side frame and including a laterally projecting supporting flange for engagement with overhead supporting structure.
 3. The diffuser of claim 2 in which the supporting flange is inwardly disposed.
 4. The diffuser of claim 3 in which the supporting flange is outwardly disposed.
 5. The diffuser of claim 1 in which the bottom of each side frame includes an inwardly disposed shoulder, the shoulders of the sides providing a supporting frame for a bottom closing panel.
 6. The diffuser of claim 1 in which the proximate dampers of proximate pairs may be swung into abutment, the free edges of the dampers then being curved inwardly away from each other.
 7. The diffuser of claim 1 in which there are four side frames and each side frame includes a laterally projecting flange along its upper edge for engagement with rectangular tilesupporting framework of a suspended ceiling and an inwardly disposed shoulder extending along its bottom edge, the shoulders of the four sides providing a tile supporting frame.
 8. The diffuser of claim 1 and means to swing said dampers towards and away from each other.
 9. The diffuser of claim 8 in which the damper-swinging means include a spring for each unit yieldably urging the dampers thereof into abutment and slidable, frame supported means operable to swing the dampers into their closed position.
 10. The diffuser of claim 9 in which there are separate slidable means for the two dampers of each pair.
 11. The diffuser of claim 1 and a pivotally supported fin between the fins of the units.
 12. The diffuser of claim 1 and means frictionally engaging the fins and yieldably holding them in a desired angular relationship.
 13. The diffuser of claim 1 and means frictionally engaging the dampers and yieldably holding them in a desired angular relationship.
 14. The diffuser of claim 1 in which each frame consists of top, bottom and side members of similar cross section, each member including first, second, third, and fourth angularly disposed walls, the first wall being the outer frame surface, the second and third walls being disposed at right angles to the first wall, and the fourth wall being disposed at an angle of 45* relative to the first wall and terminating short of the second wall, the third wall being shorter than the second wall and providing said shoulder, said third and fourth walls having undercut channels extending from end-to-end of their outer faces whereby two members may be joined by an H-shaped connection when two channelled walls are placed in abutment with their channels in registry, said second walls having pivot receiving channels.
 15. The diffuseR of claim 14 in which the third wall is sufficiently shorter than the second wall so that the plane of the fourth wall includes the free end of the second wall.
 16. The diffuser of claim 14 in which the outer surface of the second walls has parallel channels for friction strips.
 17. The diffuser of claim 14 in which the inner surface of the first wall has an undercut channel for the reception of end portions of corner-joining splines.
 18. A damper-fin unit comprising a pair of dampers, a fin, and a common pivot joining said dampers and fin to enable them to be independently pivoted each with respect to the others, the free ends of each damper being inwardly curved towards the other.
 19. The damper-fin unit of claim 21 and a spring yieldably urging said free damper ends into abutment.
 20. The damper-fin unit of claim 19 in which the fin includes vertically spaced lugs along one edge having pivot-receiving passages, and each damper has lugs vertically spaced along corresponding edges to receive the lugs of the fins and the other damper and having pivot receiving passages.
 21. The damper-fin unit of claim 20 in which the fin and dampers are extrusions and the passages have slots opening towards their opposite edges. 